Former Idols South Africa winner Heinz Winckler – now an ordained minister – has called on the public to support The Kiffness, who has come under fire over his alleged racist and Islamophobic views
This comes after the public has called for the Cape Town musician’s upcoming concert at Kirstenbosch Gardens to be axed amid the backlash.
Like the quirky singer – whose real name is Dave Scott – Winckler has also had his fair share of controversies. He has previously come under fire over his alleged homophobic and transphobic views.
HEINZ WINCKLER BACKS THE KIFFNESS
Through his One80 movement – based on the late Charlie Kirk’s Turning Point US – Heinz Winckler called on his followers to “support The Kiffness”.
He shared: “The Kiffness is under attack by some for his Christian views on our nation and the issues of our day. Some are calling for Kirstenbosch to cancel his performance at their summer series. And they’re calling for people to boycott his show. This is a blatant attack on freedom of speech and freedom of religion
He added: “Please show your support to him by being a voice of reason and common sense where you see an opportunity”.
Images via SANBI
Last month, Heinz Winckler – a pastor at the OneKey church in Johannesburg – sat down for a two-hour interview with The Kiffness.
The outspoken personalities discussed their shared values of Christianity and their pursuit of “truth” amid “fake news.”
The Kiffness shared of the backlash to his views: “The Bible tells you that persecution is part of the walk. People don’t like the truth, especially those living in darkness. If you shine a light in someone’s face that is used to the dark, it’s too much”.
CONTROVERSIAL VIEWS – WHAT DID HE TWEET?
In recent months, The Kiffness has been accused of promoting Islamophobia and being hailed as an “Apartheid apologist” through his outspoken X posts.
He has been critical of the views of former DIRCO Minister Naledi Pandor, Gift of the Givers CEO Imtiaz Sooliman, and former South African Ambassador to the US, Ebrahim Rasool, whom he claimed “do the [Muslim] community no favours”.
